rule of thumb
noun phrase
1
: a method of procedure based on experience and common sense
2
: a general principle regarded as roughly correct but not intended to be scientifically accurate
Examples of rule of thumb in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One good rule of thumb is that health hacks that promise quick fixes are almost always too good to be true.
—
Aimee Pugh Bernard, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2025
But as a rule of thumb, if the weather is clear, the best aurora is usually visible within an hour or two of midnight, according to NOAA.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
As a rule of thumb, what’s good for the heart is also good for the brain, and vice versa.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 13 Jan. 2025
However, these plants bloom at different times so rather than going by the calendar, use the rule of thumb to prune after they are done flowering.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rule of thumb 
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Aimee Pugh Bernard, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2025
But as a rule of thumb, if the weather is clear, the best aurora is usually visible within an hour or two of midnight, according to NOAA.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
As a rule of thumb, what’s good for the heart is also good for the brain, and vice versa.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 13 Jan. 2025
However, these plants bloom at different times so rather than going by the calendar, use the rule of thumb to prune after they are done flowering.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rule of thumb
Dictionary Entries Near rule of thumb
Cite this Entry
“Rule of thumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20of%20thumb. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.
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